--- title: What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth? description: Women are at high risk for anxiety and depression around pregnancy and birth, especially those with prior mental health problems or poor social support, thoug url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/risk-factors-and-course-patterns-of-anxiety-and-depressive-disorders-during-2015/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth? Cohort study, 2015 # What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth? Women are at high risk for anxiety and depression around pregnancy and birth, especially those with prior mental health problems or poor social support, though symptoms vary widely between women. Moderate study design 306 expectant mothers in Germany followed from early pregnancy to 16 months postpartum ## What they did Prospective cohort called MARI (Maternal Anxiety in Relation to Infant Development). 306 pregnant women recruited from gynecology clinics in Germany completed up to 7 assessments from early pregnancy through 16 months after birth. Each assessment included clinical diagnostic interview, medical record review, and questionnaires about mental health history and social support. ## What they found Some women had persistent anxiety or depression; others had major changes with shifting symptoms. Many new cases appeared during pregnancy or after birth. Strongest predictors were anxiety or depression before pregnancy. Also linked: lower education, low self-esteem, low partnership satisfaction, and low social support. Symptom course varied greatly between women. ## What it means for you Pregnancy and first year after birth are sensitive times for anxiety and depression to emerge or persist. Women with prior mental health issues or limited social support are at higher risk. Individual screening during this period may help prevent these conditions. Main limit is that women knowing the study focus might have reported symptoms more readily. 306 Number of mothers 7 Assessment time points per woman 16 months Length of postpartum follow-up ## About the study Original title Risk factors and course patterns of anxiety and depressive disorders during pregnancy and after delivery: a prospective-longitudinal study Authors Martini J, Petzoldt J, Einsle F et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2015 Study design Cohort study Participants 306 What was tested None; observational study with clinical assessment Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.01.012](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.01.012) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2014 Do women whose depression started early experience more premenstrual symptoms? Randomised trial, 2013 Does psychological education reduce PMS symptoms in teenagers? Review, 2001 What is the best treatment for depression and anxiety disorders, including PMDD? Survey study, 2005 Does the menstrual cycle affect obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms? Survey study, 2004 How common is PMS and premenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms in women with mental health disorders? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗